Thousands of Americans are injured each year while working.
Most employees are covered under state workers' compensation laws.
Under these laws, employees are entitled to receive paid medical treatment for injuries sustained on the job.
However, there are limitations to the amount employer workers' compensation insurers will pay for medical treatment and some may deny payment for treatment.
It is important that injured employees know their rights.
Injured employees can typically seek treatment from a health care provider of their choosing.
It does not have to be a medical doctor.
Employees can seek alternate forms of treatment from chiropractors or acupuncturist.
No referral from for treatment is needed.
The health care provider may be able to refer the injured worker, as needed for additional examination or treatment, which may include evaluation from a specialist, physical therapy, or massage treatments.
The cost of prescription medications from the pharmacy of their choosing is also typically covered under workers' compensation law.
When an injured employee seeks medical treatment, they must report to the health care provider that their injury occurred on the job.
The health care provider should have the forms necessary to open medical treatment under a workers' compensation claim.
The forms, medical records, and bills are submitted to the employers' insurer for reviewing, processing, and payment.
Most injured workers require just a few visits to a health care provider for their on the job injuries.
However, more serious injuries can require months or even years of treatment to reach a point of medical stability.
Some injuries may be permanent in nature and treatment is typically only allowed to the point of maximum recovery.
There are limitations to the amount of treatment an injured worker can receive for their claim even if the injury is permanent.